Constant Deviants

Constant Deviants

Constant Deviants, the Hip-Hop duo comprising emcee M.I. and producer/DJ Cutt, embodies a name that reflects their artistic evolution: consistently changing and departing from the norm. Emerging from New York and Baltimore, their journey in Hip-Hop began during the genre's influential Golden Era.

Early Career and Independent Releases

As teenagers, M.I. and Cutt quickly established their creative synergy, crafting a 4-track demo in a single 24-hour studio session. This demo included the track "Competition Catch Speed Knots," which gained traction despite its unconventional release through Vestry Records and distribution via the Dance/Reggae label Strictly Rhythm. Cutt recalls the excitement of their first independent deal, while M.I. notes their initial lack of understanding regarding the distribution strategy. The record was fondly dubbed "Ghetto Gold" by their team, resonating with dedicated Rap fans who sought it out, though official sales figures remain elusive. M.I. recounts meeting a fan in Germany who still plays the record to this day.

During their early career, Constant Deviants also released other notable tracks such as "Can't Stop" (Brooklyn Pipeline) and "8th Wonder / Hustler's Prayer" (Brooklyn Pipeline).

Industry Involvement and Setbacks

Their music eventually caught the attention of manager Mark Pitts. By 2000, M.I. signed with Arista Records, with Cutt contributing production and establishing himself as a DJ and engineer. In the subsequent years, M.I. emerged as a rising emcee, while Cutt worked extensively with Hip-Hop artist N.O.R.E. as his engineer and touring DJ, also collaborating with Jay-Z's Roc-A-Fella Records.

A significant moment occurred in 2006 when M.I. featured N.O.R.E. on the remix of his track "Yup," which also included Rick Ross and was co-produced by Cutt. However, their efforts were hampered by an external marketing agency that mistakenly promoted the record as belonging to "M1," an artist associated with Dead Prez. This error led to considerable backlash and, according to M.I., "completely sabotaged" the record, despite significant investment.

Return to Roots with SIX2SIX Records

Recognizing the need to recapture their original artistic spirit, Constant Deviants established SIX2SIX Records. This self-funded and self-managed label served as a platform for releasing their own material and supporting other artists. Cutt explains the motivation: "We realized we had to do our own thing. Creatively, we had a good time when we were in the studio and needed to get back to that." The name SIX2SIX signifies their intense work ethic, operating from 6 AM to 6 AM, as M.I. puts it, "Anything we do, we go that hard."

The Release of 'Diamond' and Musical Philosophy

Constant Deviants' return to Hip-Hop is marked by the release of their album Diamond. This project is described as a culmination of their experiences, aiming to push Hip-Hop forward. M.I. explains the lengthy process of creating the album, stating, "It took us time to put together something really right because it had been a long time since the two of us created that sound." The album features an amalgamation of organic drums and classic samples, infused with the signature artistry Constant Deviants are known for. Rather than merely recreating their past sound, they sought to modernize it, as M.I. notes, "We tried to update it a little bit so it sounded more modern from back then."

Diamond primarily features M.I. and Cutt, with potential for remix collaborations. The introductory track, "Krush Groove," is accompanied by a video filmed in Baltimore's Graffiti Alley, paying homage to Hip-Hop's origins with a '90s aesthetic. "Won't Stop" serves as a continuation of "Can't Stop," offering a new perspective on the current state of Hip-Hop. The track "Gotta Get Paid" is characterized as a return to "hard Hip-Hop," sampling Greg Nice and featuring KRS-One on the remix.

Vinyl Culture and Enduring Mantras

A notable aspect of Constant Deviants and the SIX2SIX movement is their dedicated vinyl fanbase. While offering free digital downloads, they understand the value fans place on physical records, a strategy that challenges the contemporary music industry. M.I. likens their label to "a boutique Hip-Hop label, like the early days of Def Jam."

As Constant Deviants continue to blend past influences with future-oriented sounds on Diamond, they uphold their core philosophy. M.I. articulates their position in the Hip-Hop landscape: "Sometimes people take Hip-Hop too far underground or too far Pop to the point where it’s not even Hip-Hop anymore. We sit somewhere in the middle, just delivering good music."